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GR Catholic diocese moving ahead with Cathedral Square plans

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The heart of Grand Rapids will soon undergo a major transformation as the Catholic Diocese moves ahead with plans to turn 11 acres of Heartside property into a unified center for schools, ministries, charity services, and social services. At the heart will be St. Andrew's Cathedral, expected to draw more visitors and parishioners downtown.

According to excerpts from the story:

In an effort to strengthen the Catholic Church’s presence downtown, the Diocese of Grand Rapids plans to develop its Cathedral Square in downtown Grand Rapids.

Bishop Walter Hurley, who has led the diocese for two years, realized that many Catholic institutions are in the same area yet there was not a gathering place to pull them all together.

Integrated Architecture is working with the Diocese of Grand Rapids on the project to create a unified 11-acre area that will include a new diocesan center, Catholic Central High School, Saint Andrew School and the gymnasium serving both schools. As part of the growing Heartside neighborhood, the goal is for Cathedral Square to further enhance the vibrancy of the area by uniting the services provided by Catholic Charities West Michigan/Catholic Social Services, God’s Kitchen and Saint Mary’s Health Care into one geographic area.